Summary

Under the general supervision of the Planning Manager, the Planning Technician provides technical support and assistance to the Development Services Department and customers. General duties of the Planning Technician include routine administrative tasks; providing technical assistance and information to staff and the public; general understanding and application of City codes, ordinances, and long-range plans; review of minor permits and applications; general office tasks including data entry, answering calls, and responding to emails; minor inspections in the field; research for special projects; assistance with Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and Board of Adjustment (as needed), including assembling packets, preparation of notices, and general set-up; and other duties as assigned. 

Essential Functions/ Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Provides outstanding customer service to external and internal customers by phone, walk-in, email, and other mediums, related to planning and development questions, guidance on processes, and other technical or general questions. 
• Provides general assistance with routine office tasks to the Development Services Department and internal City staff with duties including, but not limited to, ordering office supplies, scheduling and coordinating meeting, data entry, file management, budget coordination duties, copying, answering telephones, responding to emails, and assistance as needed. 
• Conducts minor technical plan review of planning and zoning related applications for development.
• Processes planning related applications, prepares notices, writes reports, assists with PowerPoint presentations, memos, and other regular agenda management activities.
• Coordinates filing and archiving of plats and other permits in the internal software system. 
• Administers all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. 
• Ability to help prepare a variety of ordinances, regulations, and other literature, as necessary. 
• Provides general staff support and preparation for Boards & Commissions, City Council meeting, and other boards as necessary. 
• Regular and punctual attendance to work. 
• Administers long-range planning policies.
• Conducts research, compiles information, and analyzes data related to routine and non-routine reports and projects. 
• Field excursions and inspections, specifically related to Hardscape/Landscape Plans, Site/Civil Plans, and Signs, related to projects and any investigation of violations of planning regulations and ordinances.  
• Attends evening and after-hour meetings as needed; attendance at training and conferences. 
• Other special duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, geography, public administration, or closely related field is preferred.
• A minimum of zero to three (0-3) years of professional planning and development experience.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and MVR check. 
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver License is required. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk and drive; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
• Infrequent travel for training.

Other Necessary Information (Non-Posting)

• Friendly and outstanding customer service skills, including a passion for excellence.
• Demonstrates the principles of Servant Leadership in a helpful, positive, and joyful manner.
• Skilled in learning, adapting, and critical thinking.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Cooperates with other Development related departments.
• Ability to be resilient with a helpful attitude in a fast-paced environment, with frequent interruptions.
• Performs with maturity and diplomacy, even under stress.
• Demonstrable excellence with details, organization, trite material, and repetitive tasks.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform minor technical review of new development plans.
• Familiarity with and operative use of all general office software, hardware, and equipment.
• Ability to deal effectively, professionally, and ethically with the public and government officials. 
• Ability to read, review, and analyze legal descriptions, site plans, and other related planning documents. 
• General knowledge of zoning laws, development, and the Texas Local Government Code.